Guest Blog: My WWL Mum Story

She paused. She doubted. She Came Back Stronger — My WWL Story,

By Shahana

Taking a break from work to focus on your family is one of the most selfless things a woman can

do. But when the time comes to return, it can feel like standing at the edge of something vast

and unfamiliar, full of hope, yet heavy with self-doubt.

That was me.

Who I Am

My name is Shahana. I live in the UK and have a background in computer applications. After

stepping away from work to care for my family, I reached a point where I knew, deep in my

heart, that I was ready to return , ready to learn, to grow, and to build a life of independence and

purpose. I had a clear direction in mind. A career in Web Designer. What I didn’t have, at first,

was the confidence to believe I could get there.

The Scroll That Changed Everything

One day, while searching for job opportunities and work experience, I came across Women’s

Work Lab on Instagram. Something about it made me stop. It felt different, warm, real, and

designed for women who were exactly where I was. Women who had paused. Women who

were unsure. Women who were quietly, bravely, trying to find their way back.

I decided to join. And it became one of the best decisions of my life.

What I Discovered About Myself

Before WWL, I underestimated myself constantly. I didn’t realise how many transferable skills I

had quietly built over the years, skills that were valuable, relevant, and very much mine. The

programme helped me see that. It guided me through understanding my personal values,

recognising my strengths, and learning how to present myself with confidence in job

applications and interviews.

The talent team was exceptional. They were not just professional, they were genuinely invested

in every single one of us. Their support went beyond training; it felt personal, attentive, and

deeply encouraging.

My Placement: Putting It All Into Practice

As part of the programme, I completed a work placement with Inclusive Change, where I worked

as an intern. I contributed to website and digital content tasks, which connected beautifully with

my background in computer applications. But perhaps the most meaningful thing I did during my

placement was write a blog for their website.

That might sound small. But for someone who had been doubting her voice and her abilities,

putting my thoughts into words professionally, publicly was a turning point. It told me

something important: I have something to say, and I am capable of saying it well.

The Transformation

The Shahana who joined WWL and the Shahana writing this blog are not the same person and I

mean that in the most wonderful way.

I came in unsure and left feeling prepared. I came in quietly doubting myself and left with a

growing belief in my own abilities. WWL gave me more than skills and experience. It gave me

direction. It gave me momentum. It gave me the courage to walk towards the future where I can

continue to learn, contribute, and thrive.

I have grown both personally and professionally, and I am genuinely proud of how far I have

come.

To Every Woman Who Is Hesitating

If you are reading this and you recognise yourself in my story the break, the self-doubt, the

quiet longing to return. Please know this: you are not too far behind. You are not too late. And

you are not alone.

The Women’s Work Lab was built for you. It will meet you exactly where you are and walk with

you towards where you want to be. I would recommend it without a single hesitation to any

woman looking to rebuild her confidence, gain real work experience, and rediscover her

potential.

You paused. That’s okay. Now it’s time to come back and come back stronger.

Take that first step. You will not regret it.

Note from WWL: Shahana did her placement at Inclusive Change